Machine Tallies Fifth Loss Against Rochester

The Ohio Machine suffered a 9-7 loss in its first meeting with the Rochester Rattlers after falling behind the Rattlers’ lead early in the game.

Rochester started off with the first goal of the game from Rob Rotanz seconds after the opening face-off. The Machine had difficulty finding the net until halfway through the first quarter with a goal from Steele Stanwick to put the Machine on the board. Jordan MacIntosh scored one more goal for the Rattlers at the end of the first quarter giving Rochester a small 2-1 lead.

Mike Leveille scored the first goal of the second quarter in hopes of setting the pace to push Rochester’s lead ahead. Machine rookie Logan Schuss stopped the Rattlers’ pace by scoring his first MLL career goal and shortening Rochester’s lead by only one goal making his first goal the Fireball Whiskey Shot of the Game.

Schuss scored one more goal in the second quarter, but with three more goals from Rochester, the Machine could not close the gap at the end of the half. Rochester went into halftime leading 6-3.

Schuss came out of halftime with another goal for his first MLL career hat-trick, but the Machine still had difficulty finding its momentum. Both teams failed to execute its transitions, which decreased scoring opportunities and cohesiveness on offense. The Rattlers were able put three more goals on the scoreboard against the Machine’s single goal in the third quarter for a 9-5 Rochester lead.

The Rattlers were not able to score any more goals in the final quarter of the game due to the performance of Machine goalie Brian Phipps, who saved 15 goals during the game. Kiel Matisz scored quickly at the start of the fourth quarter, but the Machine could not reach the back of the net from the final attempts to score.

Schuss scored the final goal of the game with seconds left to play, but the Machine was still trailing by two goals. Rochester defeated the Machine 9-7 after a tough fight from both teams to put goals on the scoreboard.

The Machine takes on the Charlotte Hounds next week on June 8 at American Legion Memorial Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina at 7 p.m. Fans can watch the game live at ESPN3.com. The Machine faces Rochester again at home on June 15 at Selby Stadium at 7:30 p.m. for Ohio Lacrosse Night with fireworks presented by Fireball Whiskey.